It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Gemmell of Riverview, on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the age of 86.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Madeline (Huestis) and their children Michael (Terry) and Melanie Grimmer (John). He was predeceased by his parents; Captain James S. and Dorothea (Crichton), his sister Lois and her husband Bill (McLaughlin). He leaves behind special relatives, a niece, nephew and cousins from the United Kingdom.
Derek was born in Adrossan, Scotland. His adventurous spirit brought him to Canada in 1952. While immensely proud of his homeland and Scottish ancestry, Derek settled easily in Canada, raising a family and becoming a loyal Canadian. He often commented on how fortunate he was to feel so at home in both countries.
The majority of his working career was in Sales with Hayward and Warwick, Fine Bone China and Giftware. He loved his job and enjoyed travelling and meeting people throughout the Maritimes and the Gaspe Peninsula. Business and family trips to England and Scotland provided him with the opportunity to visit U.K. family and friends who played a very important role in his life.
Derek was a railway enthusiast and an avid British Murder Mystery reader. He was a very social man. He was a member of The Moncton Horse Club, The Kennel Club, The Naturalist Club and Riverview Toastmasters. All of these activities meant there would be lots of tea, coffee, conversation and sandwiches. Above all Derek cherished family and friends. He will be fondly remembered by many.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Davidson and the caring staff of the Castel Des Flots Bleus and the Victoria Wing staff of The Moncton Residence.
A visitation will be held at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (869-2007) on Friday from 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place from Cobb’s Funeral Home Memorial Chapel on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1:00pm with Rev. Dr. Andrew O’Neill officiating. Private Family interments will take place in Jemseg, NB and Scotland at later dates.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or the charity on one’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca